Infant formula tablets and dispenser thereof

ABSTRACT

A dispenser for providing sterile dispensing of infant formula into a baby bottle, the dispenser having a blister pack having multiple flexible cells, when each of the cells has an opened end and a closed end, and when each of the cells contains a predetermined amount of infant formula, and when each of the cells having a bottom surface on said closed end, having a lower tearing resistance than that of the rest of the cell, a sealing sheet disposed upon the open end of the cells; and perforation lines formed on the blister pack so that each of the flexible cells may be separated from the blister pack, thereby the dispenser allows for clean and sterile baby bottle preparations, and allows for a long shelf life of the infant formula. The infant formula may be in a form of lumps (pills), fluid, powder, paste, and so on.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of infant formulas. More particularly, the invention relates to an “aggregation form” of infant formula, and a dispenser thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

Infant formula is “a food which purports to be or is represented for special dietary use solely as a food for infants by reason of its simulation of human milk or its suitability as a complete or partial substitute for human milk” (from Wikipedia).

Presently it is common to distribute infant formula in a form of powder disposed in a container. The user (parent) uses a measuring scoop, inserts it into the powder in order to scoop out a determined quantity of powder, and mixes the powder with a liquid.

The main problem with this form of distribution is the effort required to maintain hygiene.

Another problem is that once the formula container is opened, there is a short-lived expiry date on the formula, so that if the formula will not be entirely consumed by the expiry date some of it will go to waste.

There are commonly used containers divided into a number of compartments, when each compartment can be filled by the user with a predetermined quantity of formula, so that it is not necessary to carry the entire container when leaving home for the day. However, these containers are not securely sealed, and often the powder spills out of the compartments, causing a mess. In addition, it is difficult to empty out a compartment in its entirety.

Another difficulty is that when using the scoop or the compartmentalized container outside the home, if there is a wind, it will blow the powdered formula away.

All the distribution forms of infant formula, including the described above, have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the limitations of prior art powdered baby formula packaging.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser for providing sterile dispensing of infant formula into a baby bottle, said dispenser comprising:

a blister pack, comprising:

-   -   multiple flexible cells, wherein each of said cells comprises an         opened end and a closed end, and wherein each of said cells         contains a predetermined amount of said infant formula, and         wherein each of said cells having a bottom surface on said         closed end, comprising a lower tearing resistance than that of         the rest of said cell;     -   a sealing sheet disposed upon said open end of said cells; and     -   perforation lines formed on said blister pack so that each of         said flexible cells may be separated from said blister pack;         thereby said dispenser allows for clean and sterile baby bottle         preparations, and allows for a long shelf life of said infant         formula.

The inventive infant formula dispenser provides sterile dispensing of infant formula, while avoiding the messiness often encountered when preparing a baby bottle. Even when the preparation of the bottle is done outside in windy weather, the entire portion dispensed is transferred into the bottle, and not outside of it.

The inventive formula dispenser ensures that the portions that are not used are freshly stored in the dispenser. The dispenser allows for the user to take with him only the portions he needs, instead of carrying a large amount of infant formula that is not needed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an infant formula in a form of lumps. The volume prepared from each lump is as the volume of one or more common portions of infant formula, e.g., 30 cc, 60 cc, and so on. The geometrical form of a lump may be one of a cylinder (“tablet”), box, ball, and so on. The cells containing the lumps may be made of plastic, aluminum foil or rubber, or any other biocompatible materials.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the infant formula is dispensed in a dispenser. The dispenser comprises a plurality of flexible cells, each having an open end and a closed end. Each of the cells is in a volume slightly greater than the volume of a common infant formula portion. The cells are sealed over their open end by foil, or the like, glued or welded to the cells.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in each cell is disposed a tablet (i.e., a cylinder) of infant formula. It is common that the volume prepared from an infant formula spoon is 60 cc.

An infant formula lump may be in a form of a cube, ball and the like. Furthermore, the infant formula can be in the form of powder.

In order to produce lumps of infant formula, it is preferable to use a non-active gluing material such as starch, adhesive process/formulation of inactive ingredients that do not affect active substances of the infant formula, and so on.

A non-active gluing material can be obtained after a Glactia process. In order to generate a lump of solid infant formula, the gluing material is mixed with the formula. While the mixture is still in a fluid form, the mixture is poured into individual cells. Upon the lumps becoming solid, the cells are sealed by a foil or the like as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Of course, this is a basic example of manufacturing lumps of infant formula, and more sophisticated methods may be used.

The infant formula may be in a form of powder, lumps (pills), fluid, paste, and so on.

The foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a prior art infant formula can, according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of an infant formula dispenser, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a cell of the infant formula dispenser of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4. shows a top view of the infant formula dispenser of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5A-B show the infant formula dispenser according to the present invention, while being dispensed into a baby bottle;

FIG. 6 shows an infant formula dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, while being dispensed into a baby bottle;

FIGS. 7A-B shows a side view of an infant formula dispenser, according to an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, using a piston.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a prior art infant formula can.

As illustrated, in order to prepare the food the user scoops a required amount of powder with a measuring spoon, places it into a vessel and adds water to the vessel (not shown). The user then shakes the vessel to stir the water with the infant formula (these steps are not illustrated).

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a bottom perspective view of an infant formula dispenser 30, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Formula dispenser 30 is in a form of a blister pack having flexible cells 32, when each cell 32 contains a predetermined amount of baby formula. Each cell 32 has an open end and a closed end. The open end is sealed by a sealing sheet 34 (shown in FIG. 3) which is glued or welded to the cells. Each cell 32 may be easily separated from dispenser 30 via perforation lines 36 formed around each cell 32 on dispenser 30.

Cells 32 may contain varied amounts of baby formula, for preparing the following amounts of baby food: 30 cc, 60 cc or more. These amounts correspond to the normally used amounts for preparing baby bottles. The perforation lines 36 allow the user to carry with him only the number of cells 32 he needs when leaving the house, instead of carrying the entire blister pack.

The bottom surface 38 of cell 32 is made of a material having a lower-resistance to tearing compared to the rest of cell 32, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. When sealing sheet 34 is pressed upon over cell 32 with the users' fingers, the pressure built inside cell 32 causes bottom surface 38 to rupture, and the formula is spilled out of cell 32 through the rupture. This operation is preferably done over the opened neck of a baby bottle (shown in FIGS. 5A-B), so that the formula is spilled directly into the bottle, and all that is left to do is add water and the baby food is ready.

The use of blister pack is clean and sterile, and does not leave a mess as when using the prior art FIG. 1 formula can, or when using containers divided into compartments.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of cell 32, showing bottom surface 38, which is thinner and therefore has lower-resistance to tearing compared to the rest of cell 32.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a bottom view of dispenser 30, showing cells 32 filled with formula. Perforation lines 36 are shown disposed through dispenser 30. Sealing sheet 34 is disposed on top of dispenser 30, covering the top of cells 32. Sealing sheet 34 is made of foil or any other suitable material which is rigid enough to maintain the pressure of fingers pressing upon it, without rupturing.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown a single cell 32 torn via perforation lines 36 from dispenser 30, having margins 44 left from dispenser 30. Single cell 32 containing formula 46 is placed upon the bottle neck 40 of baby bottle 42, such that cell 32 is inserted into bottle neck 40 and margins 44 are supported by bottle neck 40.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, there is shown a finger 48 pressing upon sealing sheet 34, thereby creating pressure inside cell 32, causing bottom surface 38 to rupture, and thereby allowing formula 46 to be released from cell 32 into bottle 42.

The above described technique ensures that the entire cell 32 volume will be emptied into bottle 42, and none of it will be spilled outside bottle 42, even if the wind is blowing.

In order to facilitate the understanding, the dispenser 30 is presented as transparent, though for the purpose of preserving the baby formula, dispenser 30, including cells 32, is opaque.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a side view of an infant formula dispenser 50 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Blister cell 52, disposed on the bottom side of dispenser 50, is in the form of a bubble which contains infant formula 46. Top-bubble 54 is disposed on the top side of dispenser 50, directly above blister bubble cell 52. Bubble cell 52 is connected to top bubble 54, so that when pressure is applied by the user to top bubble 54, in the direction of arrow A, the inner volume of the bubbles becomes decreased, so that the pressure rises until bubble cell 52 ruptures, allowing infant formula 46 to spill out. Top bubble 54 protrudes over dispenser 50, thus making it convenient for the user.

The dispensing of baby formula from the dispenser 50 is done similarly as described in FIGS. 5A-B for dispenser 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-B, there is shown a side view of an infant formula dispenser 60 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

There is shown a blister cell 32, filled with infant formula 46, having bottom surface 38 made of a material having a lower-resistance to tearing, compared to the rest of cell 32. A piston 62 is positioned beneath sealing sheet 34 and on top of cell 32, covering the entire circumference of top of cell 32. When a user presses down on sealing sheet 34, he also presses down on piston 62, so that pressure is built up in cell 32, thus causing bottom layer 38 to rupture and infant food 46 pours out of the rupture.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and consequently, it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents.

In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned:

-   -   Infant formula dispenser 30     -   Flexible cells 32     -   Sealing sheet 34     -   Perforation lines 36     -   Tearable bottom surface/layer 38     -   Bottle neck 40     -   Baby bottle 42     -   Blister margins 44     -   Infant formula 46     -   User finger 48     -   Infant formula bubble dispenser 50     -   Blister bubble cell 52     -   Top bubble 54     -   Infant formula piston dispenser 60     -   Piston 62

The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form. 

1. A blister pack dispenser (30) for providing sterile dispensing of powder infant formula (46) into a baby bottle (42), said dispenser comprising: multiple flexible sealed cells (32), each closed by a sealing sheet (34); wherein each of said cells containing a predetermined amount of said infant formula (46); wherein each of said cells (32) having boundaries that allow inserting thereof into said bottle (42), while the margins (44) of said sealing sheet (34) prevent said cell (32) to be swallowed into said bottle (42); wherein said blister pack comprising perforation lines (36) so that each of said flexible cells (32) may be separated from said blister pack; and wherein the insertable side of each of said cells (32) having at the bottom side thereof a tearing resistance lower than the other parts of said cell (32, 34): thereby said dispenser (30) allows opening each of said cell when being disposed into said bottle (42), resulting with clean and sterile baby bottle preparations, and allows for a long shelf life of said infant formula.
 2. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said predetermined amount of said infant formula (46) is enough to prepare 30 cc or 60 cc of infant food.
 3. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said sealing sheet (34) is made of foil or any other suitable material which is rigid enough to maintain pressure without rupturing.
 4. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said bottom surface (38) of said cells ruptures when pressure is applied onto said sealing sheet (34) over said cell (32), and said infant formula (46) spills out of said rupture.
 5. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein a single said cell (32) is separated from said blister pack via said perforation lines (36), and wherein said single separated cell (32) is placed upon a neck of a baby bottle such that said cell (32) is inserted into said bottle neck, and wherein a user presses his fingers upon said sealing sheet (34), thereby creating pressure inside said cell (32), causing said bottom surface (38) to rupture, and thereby allowing formula (46) to be released from said cell (32) directly into said bottle (42).
 6. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said dispenser (30) is opaque, for the purpose of shielding said infant formula (46) from light.
 7. A dispenser (50) for providing sterile dispensing of infant formula (46) into a baby bottle (42), said dispenser comprising: a blister pack, said blister pack comprising: multiple flexible sealed cells (52) in the form of a bubble, wherein said bubble cells (52) contain a predetermined amount of said infant formula (46), and wherein said bubble cells (52) are disposed on the bottom side of said dispenser (50); wherein the insertable side of each of said cells (32) having at the bottom side thereof a tearing resistance lower than the other parts of said cell (32, 34); multiple top bubbles (54) disposed on the top side of said dispenser (50), each directly above said blister bubble cell (52), wherein each said top bubble (54) is connected to said bubble cell so that when pressure is applied by a user to said top bubble (54), the inner volume of said bubbles becomes decreased, so that the pressure rises until said bubble cell (52) ruptures, thus allowing said infant formula (46) to spill out; and perforation lines (36) formed on said blister pack so that each of said multiple flexible bubble cells (52) may be separated from said blister pack; thereby said dispenser (50) allowing for clean and sterile baby bottle preparations, and allows for a long shelf life of said infant formula.
 8. The dispenser (50) of claim 7, wherein said bubble (54) protrudes over said dispenser (50), thus making it convenient for the user.
 9. A dispenser (60) for providing sterile dispensing of infant formula (46) into a baby bottle (42), said dispenser comprising: a blister pack, comprising: multiple flexible sealed cells (32, 34), wherein each of said cells comprises an opened end and a closed end, and wherein each of said cells contains a predetermined amount of said infant formula (46), and wherein each of said cells (32) having a bottom surface (38) on said closed end wherein the insertable side of each of said cells (32) having at the bottom side thereof a tearing resistance lower than the other parts of said cell (32, 34); a sealing sheet (34) disposed upon said open end of said cells (32); a piston (62) positioned beneath said sealing sheet (34) and on top of said cell (32), wherein said piston (62) covers the entire circumference of said open end of said cell (32); and perforation lines (36) formed on said blister pack so that each of said flexible cells (32) may be separated from said blister pack; thereby said dispenser (60) allows for clean and sterile baby bottle preparations, and allows for a long shelf life of said infant formula.
 10. The dispenser (60) of claim 9, wherein a single said cell (32) is separated from said blister pack via said perforation lines (36), and wherein said single separated cell (32) is placed upon a neck of a baby bottle such that said cell (32) is inserted into said bottle neck, and wherein a user presses his fingers upon said sealing sheet (34) thereby also pressing down on said piston (62) and causing said piston to become lowered into said cell (32) thereby creating pressure inside said cell, causing said bottom surface (38) to rupture, and thereby allowing formula (46) to be released from said cell (32) directly into said bottle (42).
 11. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said infant formula is in a form of lumps.
 12. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said infant formula is in a form of powder.
 13. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said infant formula is in a form of fluid.
 14. The dispenser (30) of claim 1, wherein said infant formula is in a form of paste. 